MANAGING THE STRESS OF THE SEASON

The energy level starts to increase. Christmas parties at work and home. Buying presents and wrapping or just gift cards for all become decisions to be made. Black Friday with all the deals so many waited to purchase those big ticket items. Decorating the home inside and out. Finishing or starting the correspondence for the season. Keeping an eye on the weather as it can put a hamper on events- well Christians get the picture! What church services to attend? By pacing oneself and doing small tasks at a time the season can be managed. Decide on paper what is most important to do! Family events can cause undue stress too. Whose home does the old grandmother need a bed for Christmas Eve? The unmarried uncle who contributes nothing but expects to be entertained. For most situations it is the busy woman trying to put it all together. So pull in any men folk and give them chores and little jobs to do. For example, if a special item ordered online can only be picked up at certain stores- send him. Taking parcels to the post office or other courier service, hello another job for him! I always advice young wives to give a job to their spouse. Men do not read minds nor do they really see all the tasks to be done. So alleviating some stress by having the lists visible and negotiating who can do what and when. Wrapping presents together can be an activity after the children go to bed! Get out the Christmas books and read as a family. Find simple quiet tasks that are needed to do together. Always what memories do you want to create for your family! Little children want to be part of everything. Let them help to decorate the tree too. Yes there are picture perfect ways to have a home done but if there are children then some adjustments can be made. What is fun for them? Stress is a huge topic and more may be said. But start with taking a deep breath, exhale, and go forward!